Product Safety Alert: FDA cites Lifesoy over unsanitary conditions

San Diego—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cited the San Diego-based manufacturer of ready-to-eat soy products for unsanitary conditions. Lifesoy Inc. is accused of preparing, packing and holding articles of food under unsanitary conditions, as reported by the FDA.

The FDA stated, “Lifesoy has entered into a consent decree of permanent injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The consent decree requires Lifesoy to stop manufacturing and distributing food products until the company registers with the FDA and complies with federal laws regarding sanitary practices.” The complaint further alleged that the soy product manufacturer did not hold and store foods under proper refrigeration conditions to prevent growth of microorganisms.

FDA Acting Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Michael Chappell said, “Today’s action shows that the FDA will seek enforcement action against companies that continue to violate federal laws designed to protect the safety of the nation’s food supply. Food facilities such as Lifesoy are required by law to register with the FDA and follow current good manufacturing practices and other laws, including maintaining a sanitary facility.”

The consent decree required that Lifesoy retain a qualified sanitation expert, with no personal or financial connections to the company. The sanitation expert must “develop and implement a written sanitation program to assure that the operations comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices.”

Lifesoy cannot reopen until they receive FDA approval of its sanitation program and another inspection is conducted at the facility.